Integrated Identity: Its Antecedents and Outcomes for Engineering Managers
Date of Award
2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Organization Development & Change (D.O.D.C.)
Department
Organization Development
First Advisor
David Park (Committee Chair)
Second Advisor
Fei Gao (Other)
Third Advisor
Mike Zickar (Committee Member)
Fourth Advisor
David Day (Committee Member)
Abstract
Engineers transitioning from technical expertise to project and organizational leaders must integrate their existing professional identity with a developing leader identity. While previous research on dual identities has primarily focused on medical professionals, little attention has been given to the factors that influence an integrated identity in engineers or how this integration influences their motivation to lead. This study applies variables previously examined in research on dual identities among medical professionals, along with those used in leader identity studies, to explore their relevance in shaping an integrated engineering/leader identity. The results suggest that contrary to previous research into dual identities which suggests that professionals must move away from their technical identities in order to develop a leader identity, this study challenges that view by showing that professional identity is not a barrier to the development of an integrated engineer/leader identity, and, in fact, a professional/leader identity can coexist. More specifically, this study shows that learning goal orientation, professional commitment, and leadership training are associated with an integrated identity which, in turn positively relates to motivation to lead.
Recommended Citation
Jennings, Nila Cheryl, "Integrated Identity: Its Antecedents and Outcomes for Engineering Managers" (2025). Organization Development & Change D.O.D.C. Dissertations. 30.
https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/odc_diss/30